Commercial trucking accident cases are complicated, and have serious consequences for all involved. Because these collisions often result in death or permanent injury, it’s crucial to hire an attorney with extensive experience in trucking accidents – and a track record of success. Pritchard Law Group, LLC, our trucking accident attorneys have a deep knowledge of the laws that govern these types of cases.
Types of Trucking Accidents
There are several common types of trucking accidents, including the following:
Head-on and rear-end collisions
Both are extremely dangerous, especially considering the difference in size/weight of a commercial truck and passenger vehicle.
Blind spot accidents
Commercial trucks have large blind spots that can make it nearly impossible to see other vehicles on the road.
Jackknife accidents
These wrecks occur when a truck brakes quickly and its trailer swings out, potentially causing the truck to tip or roll over.
Rollover accidents
This is not only dangerous for the truck driver but for other drivers sharing the road, especially if cargo falls out.
Tire blowouts
Particularly prone to tire failure, large trucks can lose control and endanger other vehicles.
Underride accidents
These collisions occur when trucks brake suddenly, causing the vehicle behind them to slide under the tractor-trailer. Often, the top of the vehicle is ripped off.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
Truck accidents may be the result of the following:
Driver fatigue
Distracted driving
Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
Speeding
Inadequate driver training
Poor truck maintenance
Improper cargo loading
Inclement weather conditions
Truck Accident Investigations
Truck accident cases are particularly complex, with many factors to consider and many parties involved. It is crucial to contact a trust trucking accident attorney immediately, and to begin an investigation as quickly as possible to ensure evidence is preserved.
Truck accident investigations often involved these steps:
Reviewing the truck company’s records to check for past instances of negligence or poor practices
Checking black box data to reveal the truck’s speed and other helpful details
Taking a look at the truck driver’s logbook to see if fatigue could have contributed
Investigating the accident scene and looking for physical evidence of the crash’s cause
Interviewing witnesses, including the truck driver, first responders and other drivers who saw the incident
Inspecting the truck to see if failed equipment or improperly loaded cargo is to blame for the accident
Contact Pritchard Law Group, LLC After Your Trucking Accident
If you have been injured in a trucking accident, our team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We will fight to see justice done, working hard on your behalf as you begin your road to recovery.